Essential Skills for a computer games artist in the uk job market

The UK games industry is exploding with opportunity. In just one quarter of 2024, the number of incorporated games SMEs jumped by 24%, with new independent studios springing up across the country. Yet almost half of UK games companies say they’re struggling to fill vacancies, especially in the art department. 

For aspiring artists, that shortage is a chance to break in and make your mark. So how do you stand out as a computer games artist in today’s UK job market? And what skills will set you apart? 

Understanding the Role of a Computer Games Artist 

When we think of what makes a great game, we picture vivid worlds, eclectic characters, and visuals that pull us in. But behind every scene you lose yourself in is a games artist, turning imagination into something you can actually play.  

On any given day, a games artist could be sketching concepts, building 3D models, texturing characters, and polishing assets. In short, they shape everything that makes a game look and feel unforgettable. 

Core Skills Every Games Artist Needs 

Being a great games artist isn’t about raw talent, it’s about the skills you build and how you use them. 

Here are six core skills every games artist needs: 

  1. Artistic & Creative Skills: Design, colour and storytelling bring worlds to life. 
  2. Technical & Software Skills: Mastering Photoshop, Maya, Blender and engines like Unreal or Unity turn ideas into playable worlds. 
  3. Industry & Professional Skills: Reading briefs, delivering polished work and staying reliable keep projects on track. 
  4. Collaboration & Communication: Sharing ideas clearly and working well with teammates keeps complex game projects moving forward. 
  5. Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Shifting briefs, tight deadlines and new tools test your ability to adjust fast and find solutions. 
  6. 3D Modelling & Animation: Rigging, modelling and animation create immersive spaces (and often higher pay). 

Get these basics down, and you’re already on the path to success in the industry. But if you really want to stand out, it takes more than technical know-how. Storytelling instincts, critical thinking, research and attention to detail all make your work sharper and more believable. And above all, the best artists never stop learning. This industry moves fast, and staying ahead means constantly evolving your skills and pushing your art further. 

Career Pathways & Opportunities 

Game art opens the door to one of the UK’s most dynamic creative industries. With the right foundation, you could step into roles such as: 

  • Concept Artist 
  • Character Designer 
  • Environment Artist 
  • Animator 
  • VFX Artist 
  • Technical Artist 
  • UI/UX Artist 
  • 3D Modeller 

Big players like Creative Assembly (Total War), Playground Games (Forza Horizon) and Frontier Developments (Planet Zoo) have multiple sites across the country. Alongside them, smaller indie studios and outsourcing firms are constantly looking for talent who can master game art tools and bring ideas to life. 

Educational Pathways into Gaming

There’s more than one way to start a career in gaming. Options include: 

  • University Degree: structured, portfolio-focused, and the strongest way to grow industry connections. 
  • Short Courses & Diplomas: flexible ways to sharpen skills or build a foundation. 
  • Workshops & Competitions: intensive routes to test yourself and gain recognition. 

A computer games art degree combines all of this, immersing you in visual storytelling, 3D modelling and sculpting, while letting you specialise in environments or characters. Along the way, you’ll complete live briefs, collaborate in studio-style projects, and graduate with a portfolio that’s industry-ready.  

FAQs 

Why do game artists in the UK need to be adaptable? 
Because the industry moves fast. New tools, trends and feedback cycles mean you have to adjust quickly to keep projects on track. 

What is the usual salary range for a game artist in the UK? 
Starting salaries range from £22,000-£30,000, rising to £35,000-£50,000 for experienced artists. Lead artists can earn £50,000-£70,000+. 

How do collaboration and communication skills impact a game artist’s career? 
Games are team-built. Clear communication and teamwork open doors to bigger projects and better roles. 

Why should a computer game artist focus on creativity and art skills? 
Because visuals shape the whole player experience. Strong creative instincts turn mechanics into worlds worth exploring. 

Ready to turn your creativity into a career? Discover LCCA’s BA (Hons) Computer Games Degree programme and take your first step into the UK’s fast-growing games industry.